Landscape Assessment

at Ferny Knowl, Sheen, Buxton, Derbyshire. SK17 0ER.

Proposal to install a small-scale 6kW Wind Turbine on a 15-mtr mast

Date 8th July 2013 Written By: Mike Lowes

## CONTENTS

| | | Page | |---|-----------------------------------------------------------------|------| | 1 | Purpose of the Landscape Assessment. | 1 | | 2 | Explanation of a Photomontage. | 1 | | 3 | Credibility of photographer / CGI designer and accuracy of finished images. Equipment used and background information. | 1 | | 4 | The site. | 2 | | 5 | Understanding the scale of the proposal. | 2 | | 6 | Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV). | 4 | | 7 | Photomontages and observations. | 4 | | 8 | Conclusion. | 10 |

1. **Purpose of this landscape Assessment**

1.1 The purpose of this Landscape Assessment is to provide to the Local Authority, and public / local community, a visual indication of the true impact that the proposed development will make. We have achieved this by taking numerous photomontages from the site itself and from key areas of population and individual objection outside of the site, to show what can be seen, if any, of the development once it is installed. The positions that photomontages are taken from are shown on the satellite image provided at section 4.

1.2 As noted in 1.1, images have been taken from outside the site itself to show the wider impact of the installation.

2. **Explanation of a Photomontage:**

2.1 A photomontage is a continuous series of photographs taken from a single spot, while turning through a specific arc. The photos are then ‘stitched’ together by a designer, to enable the viewer to see a much wider field of vision than can be seen from the eye or from a traditional photograph.

2.2 A large measuring staff is held up at the exact point of the proposed installation and is photographed as part of the photomontage. The measuring staff is then used to allow the designer to scale-up the wind-turbine as it would physically be seen from the photo-taking position. In this way, it is possible to view the turbine amongst its surrounding landscape, before it has been installed.

3. **Credibility of photographer / CGI designer and accuracy of finished images.**

3.1 Our Photographer is a semi-professional photographer, studying at college before obtaining qualifications in Photography. Photography has been his hobby for over 20-yrs. His images have been displayed in numerous publications and a selection of his work is sold to Commercial and Domestic clients throughout the UK.

3.2 Our graphic designer has 19-yrs experience, was University educated and has a Diploma in Technical and Graphical Illustration.

3.3 Our photomontages are therefore incredibly accurate and are a true representation of what will be seen on site.

**Equipment Used and background information**

3.4 All photomontages have been taken in line with guidelines laid out in the handbook 'Photography and Photomontage in Landscape' and visual impact assessment Landscape Institute Advice Note 01/11. This document is a recognised and accepted guidance tool by Planning Authorities and Landscape Planners. 3.5 All images have been taken using a Canon G12 Professional Camera, with a 50mm lens to best replicate the actual view from the human eye.

3.6 All images have been taken at eye level – approximately 1.7mtrs up from ground level.

3.7 The conditions at the time the images were taken were fair and bright.

3.8 The images were taken in June 2013, between the hours of 10am and 3pm.

4. **The site**

4.1 The site is a working farm in an open and rural location.

4.2 Plan View satellite image, showing the site, position of the proposed Turbine (marked with blue dot) and the positions of the photomontage points:

![Map of the site](image)

4.3 For reference, the Easting and Northing Turbine Co-ordinates are: 409910 364468

5. **Understanding the scale of the proposal**

5.1 Wind turbines can often be a controversial subject. This is generally because the perception of a wind turbine is of a large towering structure that is commonly seen in Wind-farms. The reality is that Wind Turbines are available in various sizes to suit various applications. 5.2 The Wind Turbine the client has chosen to install is size-designated as a Micro Wind Turbine. This is because it has a generator of under 15kW. It is a turbine that is often used on domestic, small-holding and farm sites. It is NOT a Medium or Large-scale Wind Turbine that is found on Wind-farms.

5.3 The Micro-Wind Turbine we propose has a blade diameter of 5.6-mtrs. The total blade diameter of a commercial wind turbine is often over 100mtrs, some 17-times larger than the unit we propose. The unit we propose has a mast height of 15-mtrs. A commercial Wind Turbine will generally have a mast of over 100mtrs, over 6-times higher than the unit we propose.

5.4 We propose a single unit, not multiple units that are found on Wind-farms.

5.5 This image shows the scale comparison between the turbine we intend to install on site, and a Commercial Wind Turbine.

A= Human 2m B= Kingspan 6kW turbine 15-mtr mast height C= Tree 20m D= Wind Farm Norex N80 Turbine 100m Mast Height 6. **Zone of Theoretical Visibility**

6.1 Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) maps are often mentioned in Wind-Farm design and Planning Applications. This can work well with Commercial Wind-farms; the turbine heights dwarf anything else on the landscape and can be seen from a great distance.

6.2 ZTV maps are generally thought as unfeasible for use with small-scale turbines. This is that because of their relatively low mast heights, they are hidden from view by surrounding tree-lines, buildings and topography at a short viewing distance, and even by moderate hedgerows at long distances.

6.3 Due to the Planning requirements of the Peak District Park Authority, it was decided to provide ZTV maps for the avoidance of doubt and in order to prevent delays in both Validating, Consulting on and obtaining a Planning Decision. We enclose them as separate documents due to their complexity and file size. They include: Grindon 9 - ZTV notes by the image author / Grindon 10 - ZTV topography map Grindon 11 - ZTV map - 15-mtr hub / Grindon 12 - ZTV map - 17.8 mtr blade tip

6.4 The attached photomontages bear testament to the fact that ZVT's are a relatively pointless exercise when installing small-scale turbines.

7. **Photomontages and observations.**

7.1 The satellite map shown at 4. shows the positions the photomontages have been taken from.

7.2 All photomontages consist of:

A stitched image showing a full 180-degree field of view encompassing the proposed development, with the turbine position itself indicated with a red arrow to assist in finding it within the montage.

7.3 ALL PHOTOMONTAGES ARE SUPPLIED SEPARATLY TO THIS LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT DUE TO THE IMAGE SIZES. IT WOULD OTHERWISE BE VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO E-MAIL, DOWNLOAD OR PRINT THE FINISHED DOCUMENT.

**Photomontage location:** 1 Document ref Grindon 13

**Taken from:** Minor lane near Hope Cottage Farm. Approx 570-mtrs south-east of turbine location

**OS image Co-ordinates:** 410304 364028

**Comments / observations:** Turbine is almost visible to the naked eye, and is viewed amongst the farm buildings on site. Photomontage location: 2 Document ref Grindon 14

Taken from: Minor lane to the east of Crowdecote. Approx 850mtrs north-east of turbine location

OS image Co-ordinates: 410596 364997

REFER TO PHOTOMONTAGE 11 SUPPORTING DOCUMENT – IMAGES CANNOT BE ADDED TO THIS DOCUMENT DUE TO FILE SIZE LIMITATIONS

Comments / observations: Turbine is not seen due to physical distance and also due to the topography between the two points.

______________________________________________________________________

Photomontage location: 3 Document ref Grindon 15

Taken from: Near the Pack Horse Inn in Crowdecote. Approx 750mtrs north of turbine location

OS image Co-ordinates: 410081 365218

REFER TO PHOTOMONTAGE 12 SUPPORTING DOCUMENT – IMAGES CANNOT BE ADDED TO THIS DOCUMENT DUE TO FILE SIZE LIMITATIONS

Comments / observations: Turbine is not seen due to physical distance and also due to the topography between the two points.

______________________________________________________________________

Photomontage location: 4 Document ref Grindon 16

Taken from: Layby on the eastern edge of Longnor. Approx 800mtrs north-west of turbine location

OS image Co-ordinates: 409266 364905

REFER TO PHOTOMONTAGE 13 SUPPORTING DOCUMENT – IMAGES CANNOT BE ADDED TO THIS DOCUMENT DUE TO FILE SIZE LIMITATIONS

Comments / observations: Turbine is not seen due to physical distance and also due to the topography between the two points. Photomontage location: 5 Document ref Grindon 17

Taken from: B5053 alongside River Manifold. Approx 1100mtrs west of turbine location

OS image Co-ordinates: 408819 364575

REFER TO PHOTOMONTAGE 14 SUPPORTING DOCUMENT – IMAGES CANNOT BE ADDED TO THIS DOCUMENT DUE TO FILE SIZE LIMITATIONS

Comments / observations: Turbine is barely visible to the naked eye due to distance. Is viewed with tree line to the rear

Photomontage location: 6 Document ref Grindon 18

Taken from: B5053 by Stiff Close Farm (labelled as such on Google maps). Approx 1200mtrs west, west-south of turbine location

OS image Co-ordinates: 408775 364268

REFER TO PHOTOMONTAGE 15 SUPPORTING DOCUMENT – IMAGES CANNOT BE ADDED TO THIS DOCUMENT DUE TO FILE SIZE LIMITATIONS

Comments / observations: Turbine is barely visible to the naked eye due to distance. Is viewed with tree lines, agricultural buildings and hills to the rear. Does not 'sky-line'

Photomontage location: 7 Document ref Grindon 19

Taken from: B5053. Near the intersecting easterly lane leading to Boothlow Hayes Farm. Approx 1285mtrs south-west of turbine location

OS image Co-ordinates: 408740 364005

REFER TO PHOTOMONTAGE 16 SUPPORTING DOCUMENT – IMAGES CANNOT BE ADDED TO THIS DOCUMENT DUE TO FILE SIZE LIMITATIONS

Comments / observations: Turbine is barely visible to the naked eye due to distance. Is viewed with tree lines, agricultural buildings and hill range to the rear. Does not 'sky-line' Photomontage location: 8 Document ref Grindon 20

Taken from: The Brambles Farm just off the B5053. Approx 1-mile south-west of turbine location.

OS image Co-ordinates: 408624 363530

REFER TO PHOTOMONTAGE 17 SUPPORTING DOCUMENT – IMAGES CANNOT BE ADDED TO THIS DOCUMENT DUE TO FILE SIZE LIMITATIONS

Comments / observations: Turbine is almost invisible from this distance. Is viewed with tree lines, agricultural buildings and hill range to the rear. Does not 'sky-line'

Photomontage location: 9 Document ref Grindon 21

Taken from: Near the crossroads with the B5053 and the minor road to Fawfieldhead. Approx 1800mtrs south-west of turbine location

OS image Co-ordinates: 408496 363310

REFER TO PHOTOMONTAGE 18 SUPPORTING DOCUMENT – IMAGES CANNOT BE ADDED TO THIS DOCUMENT DUE TO FILE SIZE LIMITATIONS

Comments / observations: Turbine is almost invisible from this distance. Is viewed with tree lines, agricultural buildings and hill range to the rear. Does not 'sky-line'

Photomontage location: 10 Document ref Grindon 22

Taken from: The Green on the minor road to Fawfieldhead. Approx 2200mtrs south-west of turbine location

OS image Co-ordinates: 407981 363479

REFER TO PHOTOMONTAGE 19 SUPPORTING DOCUMENT – IMAGES CANNOT BE ADDED TO THIS DOCUMENT DUE TO FILE SIZE LIMITATIONS

Comments / observations: Impossible to view due to distance and topography Photomontage location: 11 Document ref Grindon 23

Taken from: Sycamore Cottage to the East of Fawfieldhead. Approx 2500-mtrs south-west of turbine location

OS image Co-ordinates: 407592 363712

REFER TO PHOTOMONTAGE 20 SUPPORTING DOCUMENT – IMAGES CANNOT BE ADDED TO THIS DOCUMENT DUE TO FILE SIZE LIMITATIONS

Comments / observations: Impossible to view due to distance and topography

Photomontage location: 12 Document ref Grindon 24

Taken from: The eastern fringe of Longnoor Wood. Approx 2300mtrs west of turbine location

OS image Co-ordinates: 407526 364310

REFER TO PHOTOMONTAGE 21 SUPPORTING DOCUMENT – IMAGES CANNOT BE ADDED TO THIS DOCUMENT DUE TO FILE SIZE LIMITATIONS

Comments / observations: Line of sight, but almost invisible from this distance. Does not 'sky-line'. Is viewed with distant hills to the rear.

Photomontage location: 13 Document ref Grindon 25

Taken from: Wood Cottage on the Leek Road on the southern fringe of Millmoorhead Wood. Approx 2000mtrs west of turbine location

OS image Co-ordinates: 407738 364458

REFER TO PHOTOMONTAGE 22 SUPPORTING DOCUMENT – IMAGES CANNOT BE ADDED TO THIS DOCUMENT DUE TO FILE SIZE LIMITATIONS

Comments / observations: Turbine is not visible due to topography. Photomontage location: 14 Document ref Grindon 26

Taken from: Heath House Farm on the Leek Road. Just over 1-mile west of the turbine location

OS image Co-ordinates: 408179 364515

REFER TO PHOTOMONTAGE 23 SUPPORTING DOCUMENT – IMAGES CANNOT BE ADDED TO THIS DOCUMENT DUE TO FILE SIZE LIMITATIONS

Comments / observations: Turbine is barely visible and is seen with distant hills preventing it from 'sky-lining'

______________________________________________________________________

Photomontage location: 15 Document ref Grindon 27

Taken from: Just North of Longnor on the B5053. Approx 1-mile north-west of the turbine location

OS image Co-ordinates: 408622 365288

REFER TO PHOTOMONTAGE 24 SUPPORTING DOCUMENT – IMAGES CANNOT BE ADDED TO THIS DOCUMENT DUE TO FILE SIZE LIMITATIONS

Comments / observations: Turbine cannot be seen due to topography

______________________________________________________________________

Photomontage location: 16 Document ref Grindon 28

Taken from: North of Longnor, on the minor road (towards Hollinsclough) that meets the A53. Approx 2600mtrs north-west of the turbine location.

OS image Co-ordinates: 407287 365251

REFER TO PHOTOMONTAGE 25 SUPPORTING DOCUMENT – IMAGES CANNOT BE ADDED TO THIS DOCUMENT DUE TO FILE SIZE LIMITATIONS

Comments / observations: Turbine is not visible at this distance. 9. Conclusion

9.1 We believe that we have proved beyond doubt that this is both a worthwhile development and more importantly, one who’s Visual Landscape impact is minimal and by far offset by the benefits of the development, both now and in the future.

9.2 We believe that the content of this Landscape Assessment helps to show the incredibly small impact of this proposal. The photomontages have been taken from various roads, farms and properties and prove the Visual Impact to be minimal at worst.

9.3 In light of this information, together with that provided in our Design, Access and Supporting Statement and other documents, we would ask that the Landscape Planners / Local Authority Planners support this application and give it their Approval.

ASSESSMENT ENDS